Yves Saint Laurent, the most influential designer in French couture in the last 50 years, died today in Paris at the age of 71. He rose to prominence in 1957, when he replace Christian Dior after his death. He soon began the YSL label after a brief stint in the French Military and dominated fashion in the 60's and 70's with "Le Smoking," an elegantly tailored feminine version of traditional men's tuxedo wear. He showed his last collection in January 2002, before being replaced by Tom Ford.

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